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PUBLICATIONS

NEW RELEASE! Social Entrepreneurship as Sustainable Development, Introducing the Sustainability Lens.
This book challenges readers to imagine social entrepreneurship as an innovative, creative model for building justice and sustainability. Building upon the work of J. Greg Dees, the author explores the concept as a change-based process that creates social value through bold innovation and creativity, providing a “how and why” approach that makes social entrepreneurship accessible to all. The chapters present a holistic way in which to realize the United Nations (UN) 2030 sustainable development goals through the four quadrants of the Sustainability Lens: Resources, Health, Policy, and Exchange. The work is written in an interdisciplinary format which will appeal to multiple learning styles among professors, students, and communities investing heavily in the development of entrepreneurial skills.

REVIEWS

“Tamara Stenn’s writing abounds with energy. Her work redefines basic concepts of sustainability and social entrepreneurship that for too long have been under the sway of narrowly conceived economic mandates such as the necessity of growth. Drawing upon customary understandings of Suma Qamana or ‘living well’, she presents a vibrant alternative to Western ideas of living competitively. Most importantly, Stenn’s writing points to another future that is both necessary and becoming possible.” – Professor Paul James, Western Sydney University, author of Urban Sustainability in Theory and Practice.

“Integrating the thousands-of-years-old wisdom tradition of Suma Qamana into a modern eco-centered sustainability framework, Dr. Stenn provides great case studies that show business in action, building a better world.” —Shel Horowitz, social entrepreneurship consultant, author of Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World

“Social Entrepreneurship as Sustainable Development: Introducing the Sustainability Lens” is a timely and powerful approach to looking at Social Entrepreneurship. Tamara provides a set of important concepts in practical ways that allow those aspiring to be social entrepreneurs as well those already practicing socially conscious business to apply to developing a more sustainable future. – Dr. Kenneth Williams, Interim Dean, Sit Graduate Institute, USA.

Sustainability is a long-term balance that is neither harmful to others nor depletes resources. It ensures the well-being of current and future generations. Sustainability does not just happen. It needs to be sought out, pursued, embraced and shared. It takes time, energy, commitment and tenacity but is achievable.

We live in a globalized, capitalist world thrown out of balance through aggressive development which depletes resources, lives and well-being. It is not sustainable. Even social enterprises may not be sustainable. Enterprises are rife with missing mechanisms and guidelines for growth, management, energy use, regeneration and engagement.

The Sustainability Lens counters this.

Working with existing (or start-up) enterprises, it can be used as thoroughly or lightly as one wants. Think of it as a giant magnifying glass. Depending on how it’s held – from further away things are amplified in a more general way, from up close, smaller things become visible and tiny details can be carefully examined. It is up to you how you want to hold and focus your Lens but at whatever distance, you will see new ways to build a sustainable future now with the decisions and resources we currently share.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamara L. Stenn is Adjunct Professor in the Sustainable Development program at SIT Graduate Institute, VT, USA and Visiting Professor of Social Entrepreneurism at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA. Her areas of academic interest include solidarity economy, Andean ways of being, and sustainable development.

NEW RELEASE!
Social Entrepreneurship as Sustainable Development, Introducing the Sustainability Lens.
This book challenges readers to imagine social entrepreneurship as an innovative, creative … More >